spir-i-tu'-ni-ty: spiritual opportunities which call us to grow, create, and self-express on the authentic path; where spirit and opportunity meet

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Finding Your Life's Purpose

Ever witness someone living his or her life's purpose?

It's inspiring! Such a person exudes happiness. One can't help but feel energized in their company.

Everyone has a purpose in life. And within that purpose lies a signature talent waiting to birth itself to the world.

While some people have a clear vision of their purpose early on in life, there are those whose paths seems unclear, even elusive. I'm one of those whose life's purpose took the circuitous route. But I've learned a lot along the way, despite the detours.

Detours are not setbacks. Hitting a roadblock means it's time to go in a new or different direction. This is a time for reflection and learning. Rather than worry that you may get lost (and you may), trust that your internal GPS is guiding you in the right direction. You may uncover a unique talent as a result, or you may learn something like a new skill or meet someone who will become a mentor. Be open to the possibilities while on detour...and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Read the signs. To be an active participant in your life, you'll need to pay attention. "Signs" will present themselves in various ways. Notice the things that make you happy. Recall times you've felt fulfilled. What were you doing? What did you feel? Did you experience moments when you've lost track of time because of doing something you loved? Take cues from your relationships. What have others said regarding your skills and talents? Notice any common themes? When you hear the same thing several times from others that could be an indication of a talent you've overlooked.

Slow down. To read the signs presenting themselves to you, you'll need to slow down. We live in such a busy world full of constant stimulation, making it hard to wrap our head around our own thoughts. Put yourself in a time-out, away from all the distractions, so that you can restore your balance and energy. This quiet time could be a walk through the woods, journaling, meditating, or exercising. Find what works for you, do it on a daily basis, and you'll give space to inner clarity and expanded awareness that will help you discover yourself.

Change direction. If you've been traveling the same mental route with no results, you'll need to exit and recalculate. Rather than get stuck on asking, "What is my purpose?" ask, "Who do I want to become?" This shift in direction throws your mind into a higher creative gear. What can you see yourself as, and what do you look like (and feel like) as you are doing it? If it feels good, then you are in alignment with your soul's purpose. You'll experience an inner knowing that can not be shaken. You'll know that you know. And it will feel "right."

Discovering your life's purpose requires taking action. Living your life inside your head is not the same as living your life out loud, on purpose. There are steps to be taken with the biggest one being a leap of faith...not always easy, but absolutely necessary. It doesn't have to be one big giant leap, but smaller ones which will impact big changes over time.

Get To Know Me

Penny McDaniel is a spiritual teacher, educator, theologian, and author/writer even though she finds titles limiting. She believes life is filled with what she calls "spiritunities", spiritual opportunities that call us to growth, creativity, and self-expression.